Stephen Weiss returned to action on Saturday October 8.

Stephen Weiss's opening goal was all that was needed in the Panthers 2-0 win over the Islanders. Weiss has an improved supporting cast, so he should be in line to return to the 60+ point plateau. The Panthers top center will be heavily counted upon this season, and will need a career year if the Panthers have any chance at a spot in the post season. Even if he does enjoy a career year, it's an extreme long shot the Panthers will make it.

Stephen Weiss (groin) hasn't skated in four days. Weiss probably won't take part in Saturday's practice either. "I'm doing off-ice drills to get this stronger so it doesn't happen any more," Weiss said. "I've been trying to back on the ice the past couple of days, but [trainer Dave Zenobi] isn't having it. We just want to make sure it's 100 percent before we get going next week. It's never easy to sit out, but I realize how it felt a few days ago. I'm not going to be stupid. I'll rest and be ready for next week." We'll keep you posted.

Stephen Weiss and Scottie Upshall didn't skate Wednesday because of hip injuries. They will probably remain behind when the team travels to Dallas for their final preseason contest on Thursday night. Consider them both day-to--day for the time being.

The Florida Panthers may take awhile to build up team chemistry. With a wacky and wild offseason the Panthers have meshed together a motley crew of players. This is the first time in their history that so many new players are in training camp. While new to the team, they are not short on energy. "There's going to be a lot of energy and enthusiasm," Assistant GM Mike Santos said. "Probably a lot more than people in South Florida are used to with the Panthers." The learning curve will be steep by we expect the Panthers to get their act together before the season begins.

The Florida made it official on Thursday by announcing the hiring of Craig Ramsay as an assistant coach. "We are pleased to welcome Craig back to the Florida Panthers family," said GM Dale Tallon. "He is a brilliant hockey mind and brings to our organization a wealth of hockey experience having served as player, head coach, assistant coach, director of player personnel and assistant general manager. Craig's vast knowledge of the game will be an asset for head coach Kevin Dineen, our entire coaching staff and all our players." Ramsay was let go by Winnipeg when they left Atlanta but as most good coaches do, he managed to land on his feet somewhere else.

Former Atlanta coach Craig Ramsay will reportedly be an assistant with the Florida Panthers next season. An official announcement will likely come on Thursday, according to Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He would serve under new bench boss Kevin Dineen on a completely revamped Florida roster.

The Florida Panthers have announced that the San Antonio Rampage will serve as their AHL affiliate again starting next season. The Rampage and Panthers were partners back in 2002-2003. Florida ended a six-year association with the Rochester Americans at the end of last season.

Florida GM Dale Tallon is confident that the 2011 NHL Entry Draft will be fruitful for the Panthers. "We've got lots of options in this draft," he said. "We're going to get really good players with three picks in the first 47. We plan on getting 10 good players with 10 picks and add depth at all positions, like we did last year." Tallon is putting an emphasis on size, speed and skill for his prospects and their need for offense up front suggests that the Cats will likely take a forward during the first round on Friday.